Crocks Close To Villa Return

Luke Moore is looking at an early return following his shoulder surgery. The Villa striker was back in training this week after being out since late September when he aggravated his shoulder problem against Chelsea.

Martin O'Neill told the official site: 'Luke joined us in a shooting session on Monday, which was very encouraging. It wasn't physical contact of any description. But he joined us for shooting practice. It was nice to see him out there with everybody. It's the first time we've seen him and it will have given him a lift. In terms of proper physical work, it's too early to be putting Luke into full training sessions. But he's recovering more quickly than we first anticipated.'

Defender Martin Laursen is also ahead of schedule as he looks to recover from the medial ligament damage he picked up in the Carling Cup loss to Chelsea. FFS, what is it with Chelsea, not satisfied with ruining the league, they also want to destroy out players!!!?

O'Neill explained: 'Martin is doing well. We knew that if we set Martin Laursen a 12-week target, it would be ten or less. We know that's how it works with him and he's doing very well at the moment. He's a bit off yet, but it is encouraging to see how he's progressing.'

And in further good news, defenders Mark Delaney and Jlloyd Samuel are getting closer to fitness. Samuel played the full 90 mins of a behind closed doors friendly v Wolverhampton Wanders but Delaney wasn't quite ready despite being pencilled in for the same game. He has however been able to re-start training.

The Villa boss added: 'Mark Delaney is also out there with the rest of the players, which is encouraging for him.'

Comments

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fascinating to see how Luke Moore progresses, was certainly looking good earlier in the season, so will depend now on how much money is going to be spent as to how much of a chance he'll get. Delaney I feel sorry for, should have been an ever present but keeps getting bad luck with injuries, mostly through tough challenges.

At last some good news on the injury front. Need Delaney, Laursen and Moore back asap. Could be a great fight for places come the end of Jan, especially if MON adds a few great sigings. Any news on Sorenson as on physioroom.com it says he should be back for Saturday. Can't see that happening.

SeasideEssexXile, Foley is at AFCB permenantly. Regarding the injuries, I think it's good that they'll all soon be back as it helps strengthen the squad of people who are first team players if not on the fringes of it.

moore/gabby (sutton in the middle) with the 433 seems very good. Not many full back would want to play agianst them the whole game. If one of them isnt having much luck MON can swap them over just chelsea do